This Blog Features…
- The Spoon Theory has gained momentum with the chronic pain and fibromyalgia community, but many people still don’t know what it means.
- This theory was developed by author of the blog “But You Don’t Look Sick?” Ms. Christine Miserandino.
- The pain management specialists at The Pain Center of Arizona explain what the spoon theory is an how it helps those with chronic pain.
What is “The Spoon Theory?”
The spoon theory is relatively simple: living with chronic pain is very different from living a pain-free lifestyle. Those living pain-free theoretically have an unlimited number of spoons—whereas those living with a chronic illness have a very limited number of spoons available for each day. Each action may cost one or more of them, depending on what the action requires. If a person living with chronic pain must endure a pretty demanding task, he or she will figuratively need to give up more spoons.
How Can The Spoon Theory Help My Chronic Pain?
This concept may help those not living with chronic pain understand how trying and tiring the condition can be. After explaining this concept to a loved one or friend, an individual within chronic pain could mention they are “running low on spoons” to signify their need for rest.
Even for those living with a chronic pain condition, the spoon theory could be a great way of communicating how you’re feeling in that moment—something your fellow “spoonies” can relate to! We mentioned this in our past blog, “Supporting a Partner With Chronic Pain,” but one of the best things you can do to help someone with a chronic health condition is provide support. Being their for one another can make a huge impact on the lives of those who must suffer from the “invisible symptoms” chronic pain carries.
For more information on the spoon theory, or to hear the inspiring story of how it came about, please visit Christine Miserandino’s blog: But You Don’t Look Sick?
If you suffer from chronic pain due to any condition or injury, find hope at The Pain Center of Arizona! Our dedicated team of board certified pain management physicians will work with you to treat your pain, increase your functionality and quality of life, and get you back into life! We have locations across Arizona, including Phoenix, Anthem, Surprise, Mesa, Gilbert, Deer Valley, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and now Prescott and Tucson! We take multiple insurance plans; click here to see if we take yours! To make an appointment and take the first step toward getting back into life, call us today at 1-888-PAINCENTER. We hope to see you soon!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
